Hi Daryl
So glad your conversion worked, that's the best news. Mine didn't but after 14 years in arythmia didn't really think my heart would want to change out of its' comfort zone. Have been on coumadin that long and will stay on it, no biggie for me.
Fran Z

Hey Daryl! Hang in there! Glad to see your meds are where they need to be. My doc told me 8 weeks before I can lift or begin to do any upper body workout. We'll see. Keep on tickin!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Hi Daryl
Building models. Now you've probably just given some of the guys something to think about to help pass the time. Great idea. I'm happy to see you are doing well. Continued good wishes. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Daryl
Don't be discouraged. If you've been reading these journals long enough you know there are bumps in the road and then smooth sailing. I've been on coumadin for 14 years. You, most likely will be on it for a while till that great heart of your decides to find its' normal rhythm. Keep healing.
Fran Zilko

Hi Daryl
Can't get over how many of us end up having an arrhythmia afterwards. I'd almost be saying it's an extremely common blip. Were you not on Coumadin/Warfarin right after your surgery? Just curious. My valve was repaired in October but I always had the arrhythmia. I've been on Warfarin ever since and am not sure when I'm getting off. I haven't bothered asking because I noticed on my blood requisition the date looked to be April so I am just waiting it out to see what happens. Happy to hear you are otherwise doing well. Keep it up. Cheryl, Ontario

Re: Getting better, yeah, gotta love the Beatles!
Glad to hear it is going very well for you and a nice warm place like St. Petersburg can't be bad! Although up north here, today was 50 degrees and everyone and his brother was out and about and thinking it was spring!
My husband had the Mitral Valve Reg as well and has had his ups and downs but it is mostly going up up up and again "getting better all the time." You just keep getting better - everyone is thinking of you, but don't hurry to respond - just take it easy and respond when you can - we'll all be happier when we see it, that's aall.
Richard's wife Susan

Hey, It's great to be home, huh? No matter how good the care is in the hospital, it's always better in your own place. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Take things slow and don't do too much too soon. You'll be amazed how much better you feel every day!

There is no place like home. Glad you are back and appreciating all the finer things in life such as the heat. That was tough for me to say because we are enjoying a balmy 6C so what's that, almost 40'sF? You just get attuned to that warm and sunny weather, don't you?

I'm glad you are back and getting into recovery mode. Don't hurry this thing so remember, baby steps. Keep that spirometer smiling and enjoy your walks, a little more each day. Cheers. Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning, Daryl
Don't worry about catching up on emails, you need to pace yourself and heal. Not sure where your brother lives, but you must be chilly in St. Pete. Even here in Bonita Springs (SW FL)it's been a chilly winter. They say we'll get up to 70 today, I hope so. Can't complain when I see what's happening up north. Seriously, glad you're doing so well.
Fran Zilko

Hi Daryl
Wanted to check in and see how you are managing. Hope you are finding yourself getting a little stronger and get those breathing exercises and walks done, every day. Breathing exercises many times a day. Sometimes when you don't have someone there to remind you to keep at it, you might just put it off. Here is you reminder! Take care. Eat well too. And as Penny said, pat the bike. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Daryl!
Great to hear from you! You are only allowed to pat your bike, nothing more! Here in the UK, by law you have to get medical clearance before your can drive or ride after heart surgery and it's a minimum of 4 weeks for a car, must be double that for a bike? But apart from safety issues you don't want to have any setbacks, especially with your history. You have the wonderful Florida climate to help your healing. I hope to be writing long and boring updates this time next week, it will be just what you need to get you to sleep!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Boy, you are a record for getting in and out except for all the traffic you encountered! Was that a rush hour surgery? Now you've rattled Fran because she was only expecting the bus.

Anyway, I'm really happy to hear you are out and now beginning the lengthy process of getting on your feet. If you learn anything from these journals, let it be to take it a step at a time and not rush it. Hopefully your brother will pamper you just a little. He may need the favour returned one day.

Keep us posted as to your progress. Good to hear from you.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Daryl,
Glad that your surgery went so well and that you're home already! Now you can concentrate on the business of healing.

I had my mitral valve surgery one month before yours (Jan. 14th) and I'm finding that while some days are much better than others, I'm feeling steadily better every week and my energy level is already much improved.

It's great that your mitral valve was repairable. My valve turned out to be shot beyond repair and I've got a mechanical replacement, but that's fine with me as long as I can keep on tickin' for a long time.

Hey, hello
Glad you surfaced with good news (except for that extra bleeding). Didn't like to hear about the 2 trucks and the bus. Makes me think for me it'll be a 20 car train. Keep healing, don't think I have to tell you about a good attitude. Keep us up to date on your progress.
Fran Zilko

Hi Daryl,
I am sending you prayers as you are in surgery right now. It will all be done with in a little while...and truly the worst will be over. Your case is very similar to my husbands..his surgery was Nov. 4. We look forward to getting your updates and hearing good news!
Tara and husband Ken Crosby

Just wanted to drop by and say "good luck" tomorrow on your pre-op and surgery on Tuesday. You'll do just fine but do try and stay calm. Pain is not a pleasant feeling but it will be very short lived and besides, they give you some great drugs for a buzz. Gee, my kids would get a real kick out of hearing that coming from me!

Take something with you to help you wait and keep your mind occupied with something other than your own thoughts. I hope you enjoy the time at your brother's and hope too he can cook or at least microwave.

Look forward to seeing a posting after surgery telling us all is well. Don't give anything away because you're going to be needing it once you return home.

Good for you for continuing to work right up to surgery. It's something to occupy your mind during many of your waking hours. Keep good healthy thoughts this weekend and know that you'll be back to your Eutopia sooner than you think, all in once piece - and perhaps even sporting an extra token.

I hear Florida is suffering a little from the cold. Are you warm in St. Petersburg?

Good luck packing this weekend and remember to take something to delve into and keep your mind occupied in the wee hours of the night when you can't sleep. It might help.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hope the next few days will go quickly for you. I know I'll be "antsy" as my March 18th date with my surgeon approaches. Think positive, pray and know there are a lot of strangers rooting for you.
Fran Zilko

I'm in line for MV repair on the 19th. I too had a bad experience with the cath, but I bled internally...had a 12-cm hematoma. My cardiologist performed my cath.

Today I saw the surgeon. He doesn't even do caths any more precisely because what happened to you and Cheryl and me. Instead he performs a Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA). Non-invasive and after 20 minutes you're testing is done. If I ever have to have another cath, I'm seeing my surgeon!

Hi Daryl,
You are in the line in front of me, my mitral valve replacement is 24 Feb at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge UK. So I will be eagerly reading your updates...
I have found this HVJ 'club' so essential to my health and sanity!
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Hi Daryl
Looks like things are moving pretty quick there. Better get your suitcase packed. You don't need someone around 24/7 but I think you might be more comfortable knowing someone was close by enough, especially for the first week home. When you come home you are weak enough to need a little help, perhaps with a few meals etc. Little twinges and things can happen and it's nice to be able to have someone to talk to. I'll be watching for your updates. Cheryl, Ontario

Well Daryl, I am in the waiting pattern also. I got a call right after the new year to tell me my surgery was scheduled for March 18th. It's been a long wait. I will be having 2 valves replaced at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr Gillinov. That's the reason for the wait, he's just too darn popular. We will be traveling from FL to OH for all this. Keep us up to date on when you have something final. In the meantime keep busy, are you still working?
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hi Daryl
I had a similar situation after my angiogram. I had waited out the first four hours absolutely perfectly still, flat - you name it. Asked to get up to pee and I very slowly proceeded to sit up and once my legs swung over the side of the bed I felt a terrible pain/pressure in the groin area. I sat back just a little and a fountain of blood proceeded to spray the nurse like a hose. One thing you don't want to hear your nurse, the person in charge say, "oh sh-t". With that she shoved me back down on the bed, and like magic the bed started swinging upside down and she was yelling for help whilst putting pressure on my groin. End of story was another 4 hours stuck in bed and using a bedpan upside down in the blood soaked bed. Women don't pee well upside down! My husband and best friend just stood there, rooted to the floor with their mouths gaping open. My bloodpressure was dropping like a stone. I look back now and can laugh but no one was laughing then. And yes I was black all over for a very long time. Good news is, I lived to tell the story. You will too. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario MVP/R

Oh Dude.. Your whole leg (and you other things) will be Black for a week. I had a similar mishap several years ago, a new nurse wanted to know why I had a sand bag on my leg, picked it up and bam! alarms and bllod everywhere. She said whoops,, I shoud not have done that......
It looks bad.. but it is ok.

It's good to meet you. Your story sounds very much like mine. I just had my surgery Oct 28, 2009. I know you have lots of questions and decisions to make, but don't let it get to you -- it will all get sorted out as you go along. Adam's book is wonderful, both for you and your support people.

There are many good journals here that will be helpful to read, and anyone here will be happy to answer questions or offer advice.